Patrolling Jekyll Island In Search Of Malaclemys Terrapin And The People Responsible For The Success
Jen Terry has a very important task at hand. She patrols Jekyll Island, but contrary to what one might think, she is not looking for speeding motorists. She is part of the terrapin patrol which monitors the entire length of the Jekyll Island causeway, searching for Malaclemys terrapin, both eggs, hatchlings, and adults. These turtle are especially vulnerable to cars as well as predators, and they will shortly begin to emerge from their winter rest. Terry spends her day searching for these animals and taking detailed records on each specimen discovered. She also works to prepare specially designed nesting boxes, where she will place each gravid female that she finds on her patrols. A significant aspect of this important work is the data collected from each turtle and their clutches of eggs. Without the tireless work of Terry and the rest of the turtle patrol, these creatures would be in a much more serious predicament than they already are.
Turtle News From Around the World
Conservation
India: Rescued Melanochelys trijuga eggs hatch
AU: Researchers release hatchling Myuchelys bellii
AU: Release of rescued Caretta caretta in protected area
Palau: Bill to further protect Eretmochelys imbricata
USA: Population of Gopherus polyphemus transported to air force base
Asia: Province creates hatchery to boost sea turtle population
Crime & Punishment
India: Poacher’s master plan foiled
Health & Medical
Asia: Deceased sea turtles a cause for alarm
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Photo from Brian Austin Lee.
